25 years and counting, Midnight Madness still going strong

Retail celebration is July 2
By Joseph Cyr
Staff Writer
    HOULTON — Put on your bobby socks and get ready to enjoy the rockin’ good times of the 1950s as the Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce celebrates its annual Midnight Madness event this Friday. The 1950s will be the theme for this year’s event and all area merchants are encouraged to dress the part.
    “Dig out your poodle skirts, loafers, white T-shirts and get ready to jitter bug the night away,” said Lori Weston, executive director for the Chamber. “All Elvis impersonators are welcome to stroll the town too!”
    Midnight Madness is one of the most highly attended and popular events of the summer and this year should be no exception.
    “Midnight Madness is the retail event of the year, so be prepared to shop until midnight to catch the best deals in town,” said Weston. “It’s the one event we have that focuses on the retail community. It allows folks to come spend some time in a relaxed atmosphere and enjoy great sales.”
    Local merchants are busily preparing for this event already and hoping for record sales. The atmosphere of the evening is always one of homecoming, capturing the excitement of the Fourth of July holiday and reunions.
    More than 50 retail merchants participated in Midnight Madness last year, opening their doors with sales to the public. Each participating business is encouraged to decorate or dress up based on the theme of the event. Whichever businesses capture the theme best will win awards.
    Market Square in downtown Houlton is closed to vehicle traffic for the event, allowing bargain hunters to roam freely through the streets. Secondary events, such as a performance by McGill’s Community Band in Monument Park, street vendors and musical performances in Market Square have been added through the years.
    To get the events started, the annual Arts and Crafts Show takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Monument Park. Crafters and artisans from around state participate in this annual show, according to Weston.
    As an added treat this year, the Houlton Fair Association, in conjunction with the town of Houlton, will hold an evening of fireworks at the Riverfront Park, shooting over the Meduxnekeag River at about 9:20 p.m.
    “What a great addition this will be for the thousands who attend the evening’s events,” said Weston.
    Another new feature for this year is the “Midnight Madness Photo Contest.” The individual who takes the best photo of the fireworks over the Gateway Crossing pedestrian bridge will win $50 in Chamber Bucks, which can be used the same as cash at any participating chamber member establishment.
    Digital photos must be submitted to the Houlton Chamber of Commerce at www.greaterhoulton.com or dropped off at the chamber office at 109 Main St. The winning photo will also be used on the cover of the 2011 Town of Houlton annual report.
    “Chamber Bucks are a win-win for everybody,” Weston said. “It can be spent as money at any of the membership participants.”
    In addition, $250 in “Chamber Bucks” will be raffled off — five $50 certificates — throughout the evening. Sign-up forms are available at participating merchants.
    McGill’s Community Band takes center stage at 7 p.m. with a performance at the Monument Park Amphitheatre.
    Tim “the Tune Man” Humphrey will entertain the masses with his popular musical van in Market Square from 6-8 p.m. He will be drawing door prizes throughout the event.
    The classic rock band “The Breeze” will play in Market Square from 8-10 p.m. “Mellow Endeavor” will follow from 10 p.m. to midnight.
    “Midnight Madness also provides an opportunity for non-profit groups to set up raffles,” Weston said.
    While much of the event focuses on downtown Houlton, businesses along North Street also participate in the sales, Weston said.
    “This is a community-wide event,” she said. “Some of our new businesses – Label Shoppers and Olympia Sports – have stated they will stay open. And there are the other popular attractions of Mardens and Goodrich Jewelry, along with Macs Trading Post to name just a few.”
    For more information, call the chamber at 532-4216.